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Chanderpaul reaches 10,000 Test runs

Shivnarine Chanderpaul became only the 10th player in history to make 10,000 Test runs.

Dominica: Veteran batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul on Thursday became only the 10th player in history to make 10,000 Test runs. Guyanese left-hander Chanderpaul, who made his debut in 1994, brought up the landmark with his 14th run, an on-drive for a single off Australia captain Michael Clarke.

"I have received support from many people over the years and I want to thank everyone for their massive support and their belief in me," Chanderpaul said after the day's play. "I just give thanks for all that I have achieved and the fact that I am still around, fit and strong and I can continue to contribute. "When I started, I came into a team with many big names and I was able to learn from them and build on what they taught me. Now, part of my role in the team is to help the younger players to do well and try to improve their game and become better cricketers for the team."

He is the second West Indian to the milestone after Brian Lara, who ranks fifth on the list with 11,953. Going into the current game, he had made 25 centuries, 57 fifties and boasted a top score of 203 not out with an average of 49.83.

He was congratulated warmly by the Roseau crowd and also by Australia's fielders, who all applauded once the single was taken. The 10,000th run also served to take his Test match batting average back above 50.

"It felt really, really good to reach this milestone today and I am very excited. I have been batting well and spending a lot of time at the crease and to reach 10,000 Test runs in something special for me," he said. "It was one of the goals I set myself and I believe I have reaped for reward for the hard work I put in over the years. I have worked hard over the years and when I go to bat I know I have a job to do for the team and the people of the West Indies. Test cricket is the ultimate form of the game and this is where you want to perform and give of your best. I will keep striving for more," he added.

Earlier in the series Chanderpaul had surpassed Lara as the highest run-scorer of all West Indian batsmen at Kensington Oval in Barbados.